American Idiot

When: Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Continues through March 26 2016

Jill Ritter Lindberg

We're gearing up for another presidential election, which is always a good time to revisit the sins of the past. New Line Theatre goes on a deep dive to yesteryear with its production of American Idiot, which is indeed based on the 2004 Green Day album. Set in the aftermath of 9/11 and the growing war on terror, the show follows friends Johnny, Tunny and Will as they try to fit into a society that's growing increasingly paranoid and hostile. One enters the Army, one starts a family and the third sinks deeper and deeper into drugs and disconnection. The show uses the original Green Day music with orchestrations by Tom Kitt, and the book is by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (March 3 to 26) at the Marcelle Theater (3310 Samuel Shepard Drive; 314-534-1111 or www.newlinetheatre.com). Tickets are $15 to $25.